The Exploits of Fritz Joubert: South African Turned German War Spy
Fritz Joubert Duquesne was a man originally born in South Africa who spied for the Germans in two World Wars. In between the battles, he…
The Myth That Carrots Are Good for Your Eyes Came from a WWII Propaganda Campaign
When I was younger, my parents always told me that carrots would give me better eyesight. Much to their surprise, even though I ate the…
Bob Ross, Drill Sergeant? How His Military Career Influenced His Painting
When you think of Bob Ross, what comes to mind? “Happy little trees,” his iconic afro and his soft, gentle voice. It’s a stark contrast…
These Unsettling Facts About WWII Aren’t Taught In School
Volumes have been written about the Second World War. Generations of students have learned about the conflict and, depending on the extent of their education,…
Doris ‘Dorie’ Miller Became the First Black American to be Awarded the Navy Cross
Many African Americans fought for their freedom during the Civil War. The Buffalo Soldiers earned fame during the Indian and Spanish-American Wars. Plenty more African-American…
NOAA Launches Search for B-29 Graveyard in the Pacific Ocean
Researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are conducting a search of the Pacific Ocean for what’s been dubbed the largest graveyard of…
Karl Plagge Saved Jewish Lives Ahead of a Camp Liquidation – and Lived
The Second World War saw numerous atrocities committed against a large portion of Europe’s Jewish population. Upon being drafted into the German Army, engineer Karl…
The Contentious History of Russia-Ukraine Relations
The history of Russia-Ukraine relations is a contentious one. The pair’s relationship dates back long before the creation of the Soviet Union and has continued…
5 Special Ops That Occurred in Real Life and on FX Series ‘Archer’
Archer, on the FX channel, has been delighting viewers since 2009. The Primetime Emmy and Annie award-winning show follows the antics of Sterling Archer and…
Bootlegger David Marshall Williams Helped Invent the M1 Carbine
Great ideas can come from a variety of places. Take the M1 Carbine, for example. Prominently used in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, it…
Racial Tensions and the Zoot Suit Riots of 1943
California is one of America’s largest states and also one of the most unique. During the 1940s, it had a culture all its own and…
Finland Loved This Unlikely Fighter Plane: The Brewster Buffalo
The Finnish Air Force is one of the oldest in the world, predating the British RAF and the Swedish Flygvapnet. And Finnish pilots have long…